Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- 'Dynamic', 'extended', and 'smooth, yet revealing' performance
- Makes everything sound more real, providing a deeper understanding of the music
- Brings the listener closer to the essence of the original performance
Product Considerations
- Might sound a bit 'tight' when brand new, out of the box
Takeaway: The REX 3 seems to be a high-quality product that offers a very real and engaging music listening experience. It could be worth buying if you want to get closer to the heart of the music.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Rex 3 Tube
reviews
[{"title":"REX 3 - A New Reference","link":"https://www.glennpoors.com/musings/rex-3-a-new-reference","source":"Glenn Poor's Audio Video","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Output per channel at 8Ω/4Ω: 80W / 80W
- Output in Mono Configuration 8Ω/4Ω: 160W / 160W
- THD at full power: 3.0%
- Input Impedance - stereo version: 215kΩ
- Input Impedance - mono version: 108kΩ
- Gain (Nominal into 8Ω): 26dB
- Tube Complement: 4x6H30, 6x6SN7, 2x6V6, 4x6C33C-B
- Power Consumption (Idle/Full Power): 500W/1000W
- Dimensions: 17" x 9" x 24"
- Weight: 100 lb
Description
Think of REX 3 as four single-ended amplifiers in one box. Two waveforms per channel are summed at the output transformer. We call this a single-ended bridge design. This unique design acheives the finesse and naturalness of a Class A single-ended triode amplifier. With the power, dynamics, and control of a Class AB push pull amplifier.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Balanced designs are central to their philosophy; the brand designs their preamplifiers, amplifiers, and DACs around balanced circuits to minimize noise and maximize signal integrity.
- They commonly employ Russian 6C33C-B tubes, which were originally designed for military applications in MIG fighter jets, in their amplifier designs. The brand is known for using them in unique ways to achieve a powerful and controlled sound.
- Employs a "fuseless" design in many of their products, utilizing electronic protection circuits instead of fuses to protect their components from damage.
- Has a tradition of hybrid amplifier designs, combining tube preamplifier sections with solid-state output stages, aiming to blend the warmth and musicality of tubes with the power and control of solid-state amplification.
Select products
Select product comparisons
VK-80i Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: A compact integrated tube amplifier offering modest power for those seeking authentic tube character.
- Description: Features an intelligent auto-bias design with a fully balanced tube output that delivers natural tonal balance in a simple package. In comparison to the later VK-3500 model and the dedicated power amplifiers in the REX series, its lower wattage and streamlined functionality make it best suited for small rooms and tighter budgets without sacrificing tube warmth.
REX 3 Tube Amplifier
- Positioning: A tube power amplifier focused on delivering natural tube tonality with a distinctive all-triode design.
- Description: Uses auto-biasing and a fuse-less protection circuit to simplify operation while preserving the inherent musical texture of tube amplification. Compared to the solid-state REX 300 and the hybrid integrated VK-80i, its unique tube architecture caters to users prioritizing sonic intimacy and a classic tube sound.
REX 300 Power Amplifier
- Positioning: A mid-tier solid-state power amplifier built for clarity and robust current delivery using refined power supply technology.
- Description: Incorporates a fourth-generation SuperPak Quattro capacitor bank and a simple two-stage gain design that ensure high transparency and dynamic control. When compared to the more specialized REX 3 tube amp and the flagship REX 500, it offers a balanced option for users needing strong performance.
VK-3500 Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier that merges a solid-state power section with a tube-based preamplifier for enhanced musicality.
- Description: Features a SuperTube preamp paired with a symmetrical bipolar power design and built-in MM/MC phono support to provide versatile functionality and rich tonal detail. In contrast to the simpler VK-80i and the focused REX power amplifiers, its advanced circuitry and integrated design serve users requiring additional features, higher power output, and greater overall versatility.
REX 500 Power Amplifier
- Positioning: A flagship solid-state power amplifier engineered to deliver exceptional power, clarity, and performance through advanced design techniques.
- Description: Employs a dual-mono architecture with a two-stage signal path and the largest SuperPak capacitor bank in BAT history for superior soundstaging and dynamic precision. Compared to the REX 300 and the REX 3, its robust output, intelligent upgrade path, and state-of-the-art engineering make it the ultimate choice for discerning users with larger spaces and a demand for uncompromising performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
53
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
125
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
14
Founding Year
1995
Our take on the brand
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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From our interview with
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What competes at this price?
McIntosh
MC3500 Mk II
30000
/
Released
2021
Inspired by the amplifier that inspired a generation. There's no denying the historic significance of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. There had never been anything like it, and many would argue there's not been anything like it since. With an unexpected crowd of over 400,000 people, there was a lot that could have gone wrong – and some things did. But one aspect that's nearly universally agreed upon was how great all the musicians sounded. That sound quality is thanks in part to the McIntosh MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifiers that exclusively powered the sound system used at Woodstock.
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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